Obituary of Ernest Joseph Vandale

VANDALE – Mr. Ernest 1926-2016 With heavy hearts, the family of Ernest Joseph Vandale sadly announce his peaceful passing on March 1, 2016. Ernest was born on August 8, 1926 to William & Elizabeth Vandale in Blaine Lake, SK. Ernest was the third of 10 children. He worked as a farm hand in Clearwater and this is where he met the love of his life Evelyn Isbister. After a short courtship they got married at a little Church in Clearwater on January 30, 1945. They then moved out to Erinferry where Archie’s birth in 1946 was the beginning of their family. Paul followed in 1950; Joyce in 1953, Linda in 1956 and their family was complete with the birth of Kathy in 1959. Then came 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Ernest’s first love was Evelyn, but farming was a close second. Ernest would work at farming in the summer months, logging in the winter as well as working for the Department of Highways. One of his proudest accomplishments was building up the family farm with Evelyn till the age of 84. Many hours were spent making fence for the cattle and working the land. Ernest enjoyed the countless hours on the tractor seeding, bailing and having Evelyn bring his lunches to the field. Branding the cattle was a real treat that brought many family and friends together. Ernest was a proud Metis. He joined the Metis Nation in the late 1960’s, starting the first Metis Local in Debden and served as President for many years. Ernest, even though being able to speak three languages, did not have a formal education and that motivated him (with help from the Metis Society) to start up the Debden Training Centre where many people were able to get their education. For years Ernest spent many hours travelling and attending meetings that would eventually help advance the Metis people. Ernest was known for his love of old-time music and dancing, travelling with Evelyn many miles with their dance partners. They both passed down their passion of dancing to their children and grandchildren by teaching them how to dance at an early age. Other pastimes for Ernest was playing cards and hunting. He was an avid hockey fan, as well enjoyed watching his grandkids and their sports. Ernest was known as a real teaser, if you found yourself at the end of one of his jokes you could be sure he liked you. We love you Grandpa and will miss you, but we know you are in good hands. Ernest is lovingly survived by his wife of 71 years, Evelyn Vandale; his children, Archie’s family – Karen Rekve, and their children Lawrence (Charlene); and Helen (Edward) Sawatsky; Paul Vandale; Joyce (Charles) Racette and children Tanya (Chris) Miller; and Krista Racette; Linda Vandale McCormick (Robert) and children James (Kayla) Vandale; Travis Vandale; Devin (Sanna) Vandale; Trenten (Brandy) Vandale; and Jolee Vandale; Kathy (Claude) Dumais and children Jason Beaulac; Leah (Dean) Demers; Tiffany (Johnathon) Aiken; and Kaylie Dumais; his great grandchildren, Landis, Beau, Kenya, Hannah, Rylen, Tyler, Cohen, Tori, Paisley, Kenzie, Derian, Jaxon, Ayston, Jayce; his siblings, Helen Banman; Janet Rydde; Roy (Trudy) Vandale. Ernest is predeceased by his son Archie Vandal in 1999; his son-in-law, Alain Beaulac; his parents, William & Elizabeth Vandale; his brothers, Jonas and Joe Vandale; his sisters, Mary, Theresa, Harriet, and Louise; his parents–in-law, Fred & Marianne Isbister; and his brothers-in-law, Henry, Lloyd, Don and Edmund. The Memorial Mass for Ernest took place on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Jean Baptiste RC Church in Debden with Rev. Father Tuan Doan as Celebrant. In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Ernest to the Whispering Pine Place. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (Debden 1-306-724-4474).